Page 53 of Play Book

“What about your house?” I ask her.

“I’m putting it on the market. But I need to go clean it out and pack. And I’m not ready. Anyway, could I help out here? Just for something to do?”

“Sure.” I nod. “And even though I won’t pay you a salary, if you sell anything, I’ll give you ten percent.”

She chuckles. “Sure. Offer me a percentage now that there are only two paintings left.”

“I have two more at home that are almost done.”

“Then what?”

“Then I need to spend more time painting.” I pause. “You know, for now, while supply is low and you don’t have anything going on, why don’t you work here whenever you feel like it? That gives me time to stay home and paint.”

“Oh!” Her face lights up. “That sounds awesome. I can work any time you want me to.”

“Why don’t you come in tomorrow and I can show you around. How to take payments, look up customers, and how to answer the most common questions. I’ll type something up for you too, in case I’m not available when you need help.”

“You know what? You should consider teaching art classes. To fill the gallery and give you time to get more inventory. Like art for non-artists or something. Or kids’ classes!”

“I’ve been thinking about that, but I wasn’t sure it would work…” I say thoughtfully.

“You could put easels and stuff in that little room on the side, where you keep your more expensive pieces. Now that the room is almost empty, use it for classes. Happy kids will bring in their parents, who will hopefully buy expensive art.”

“I should just let you run the gallery,” I joke. “And I’ll paint.”

She smiles. “I think people come here to see you, but I’m excited to help. And have a reason to get up in the morning.”

“It’s win-win,” I say. “Thank you, Stevie.”

“Thank you.” She throws her arms around me and hugs me tightly.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen her this happy, and it makes me feel good that I can do it for her.

Maybe it’ll be good for both of us.

SIXTEEN

Canyon

Ally is completely silent most of the flight back to L.A.

The only time she smiles is when the flight attendant brings around free headphones since we’re sitting in first class. But then she puts them on, turns on a movie, and ignores me.

Great.

I spend most of the flight Googling nannies, nanny services, and babysitters.

Marty might be able to help with the latter but beyond that, I have no idea how I’m going to survive the next week. The team is leaving on a road trip Saturday, but there’s no way I’ll be able to go. The idea of taking a leave of absence is distasteful, but even if I find a nanny in record time, I’m still going to need time to get Ally settled.

I have to register her at school, and I don’t even know what schools are around me. Or if I should put her in private school. Or what grade she’s in.

Fuck.

I close my eyes for a second, and then pull out my phone to send a text to Coach Vanek.

CANYON: Hey, Coach. I’ve got some insanity happening in my personal life. If I don’t get some help handing the situation, I’m going to have to take a leave of absence from the team, and that’s the last thing I want to do. I don’t even know where to ask for help. So I’m starting with you.

Re-reading the message I sent, it feels a little pathetic and needy, but I truly have no idea where to start. This is way out of my comfort zone.

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